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I booked our hotel. It is a cheap Super 8 (bricktown area?) According to the map its on the southside of downtown OK.city. Is this a decent area of town? Anything interesting in the area?...as in bars or resturants or anything like that. Thanks.

Where is everyone else staying?

pardonfan wrote:Where is everyone else staying?

Unfortunately, in my Falcon Nest sports den with ESPN Gameplan. LOL!

34 days.....

at the Marriott with the Falcon Club and alumni!

I have heard that the "bricktown" area is a very good area to party etc, but have no experience of my own.

The Bricktown area of Oklahoma City is a center for restaurants, bars, and entertainment. On Friday nights before a home game, it's one big party.

http://www.bricktownokc.com/

Prior to the massive urban renewal that included Bricktown, the southern part of the downtown area was a little rough, and some of it may still be. I am not familiar with the location of your hotel, but if it is right next to Bricktown, it should be OK.

Have fun, and remember the traffic from OKC to Norman will start getting congested about two and a half hours before game time. I recommend leaving early and spending time at the Campus Corner and/or O'Connels. However, I also recommend moderation in your alcohol intake because it's apt to get really hot as the game progresses.

If your taste runs more to museums, there is both an art museum and one of natural history within walking distance of the stadium.

How about getting out of Norman after the game? My plan is to ride to Fort Smith and stay there Saturday night.
Is it advisable/possible to park way east of the traffic and take some form of public transportation to and from the stadium?

bgbill, I have little experience with trying to get out of Norman fast after a FB game. Traditionally, we have gone somewhere to enjoy a cold drink while letting the traffic clear. Lemme ask around, and I will get back with you if some other Sooner doesn't answer your question in the meantime.

Bricktown is very cool.

But...it's about 35 minutes north of Campus. Traffic will be insane on gameday. Even on I-35.

If you're heading down for more than the game, Bricktown is the place to be.

Anywhere you go in Oklahoma City, though, there will be tons of OU fans in every restaurant or bar. So be aware of what clothes you will be wearing while out on the town. Before the game will be a lot of sh*t talking. After the game, usually, the OU fans are very gracious in winning. We're used to it. Just a head's up.

I think you guys will enjoy Bricktown a lot. It might remind you of a mini version The Flats in Cleveland in their heyday.

Food suggestions...

For great authentic Mexican, try Chellino's. If you like it hot, ask for their Salsa Verde and some fried Jalapenos.

If you want Chinese, try Taste of China. They have a huge buffet and are very good. Some of the best Hot and Sour Soup I've ever had. Plus you can go to the Wok bar and pick ingredients to be custom cooked for you. I haven't been to the Brick location in a while, but they used to have servers come around with food on skewers to offer you at your table.

For pub food, both Bricktown Brewery and and Tapwerks are both good, but I prefer Tapwerks. They have a huge selection of bottled beer and an lot of stuff on tap. They have a diverse menu which kinda reminds me of the Great Lakes Brewery menu. Possibly THE best salad w/entree I've ever had. Great Brats. The Brewery has BBQ, but if want the best hold out for Bob's in Norman.

We can't touch the Italian food available in Ohio, but Zio's is very good.



Sightseeing

Myriad Gardens are within walking distance of the Bricktown hotels. Not a bad place to go for a stroll.

The National Bombing Memorial which is also close to Bricktown is a must see if you have time. It is solemn yet beautiful especially at night.

If you are interested in the Old West, the Nat'l Cowboy Hall of Fame should be on your agenda. John Wayne, Michael Landon, and Ronald Reagan are among the inductees. Lots of great Western art and artifacts.


Warning to Beer Drinkers...

Our beer laws are really screwed up due to the state's franchasing laws. Nat'l brands are availible only at convenience stores and are 3.2% by weight which is 4.0% by volume (possibly vice-versa) so our Bud will probably taste like water to you. "Strong" beer is available at liquor stores but is sold at room temperature so you will have to plan ahead to ice it down. Sam Adams and other good beers are readily available. Bryon's on NW 23rd & Broadway has a huge selection and probably the best prices in the city. Not too far from Bricktown if you have a rental car. I'd suggest bringing a case or 12 of your favorite Great Lakes Brew w/you.

Dang!!! Now I want an Eliot Ness...

Sooner313 wrote: Our beer laws are really screwed up due to the state's franchasing laws. Nat'l brands are availible only at convenience stores and are 3.2% by weight which is 4.0% by volume (possibly vice-versa) so our Bud will probably taste like water to you.

Hey, 313. Some of us who went to BG in the 'old days' understand 3.2 beer intimately!!.

I think you unwittingly opened up some great memories for a lot of folks on this board.

GolferJohn wrote:The Bricktown area of Oklahoma City is a center for restaurants, bars, and entertainment. On Friday nights before a home game, it's one big party.

http://www.bricktownokc.com/

Prior to the massive urban renewal that included Bricktown, the southern part of the downtown area was a little rough, and some of it may still be. I am not familiar with the location of your hotel, but if it is right next to Bricktown, it should be OK.

Have fun, and remember the traffic from OKC to Norman will start getting congested about two and a half hours before game time. I recommend leaving early and spending time at the Campus Corner and/or O'Connels. However, I also recommend moderation in your alcohol intake because it's apt to get really hot as the game progresses.

If your taste runs more to museums, there is both an art museum and one of natural history within walking distance of the stadium.

Our Super 8 is right on I 35 on exit 124b. It is on the southside of bricktown, 2.5 miles south of downtown according to all the websites. I knew it wasn't going to be in the heart of bricktown if we got a 2 bed room for 45 bucks! Anyway, it sounds like a great time and I am really counting down the days here. Thanks for the help.

Lord_Byron wrote:

Sooner313 wrote: Our beer laws are really screwed up due to the state's franchasing laws. Nat'l brands are availible only at convenience stores and are 3.2% by weight which is 4.0% by volume (possibly vice-versa) so our Bud will probably taste like water to you.

Hey, 313. Some of us who went to BG in the 'old days' understand 3.2 beer intimately!!.

I think you unwittingly opened up some great memories for a lot of folks on this board.

Yup...I remember the 3.2 beer quite well!! When we went to the bars, you got stamped "high" (21 and over)or "low" (age 18 up to 21) depending on your age! The night I met BGFan (future husband), we went up to the Brathaus, and he got stamped "high" so we just stayed there all night instead of bar hopping!!! Thanks for the walk down memory lane!!!

Falcon Fanatic wrote:The night I met BGFan (future husband), we went up to the Brathaus, and he got stamped "high" so we just stayed there all night instead of bar hopping!!! Thanks for the walk down memory lane!!!

Wait a minute... are you suggesting less-than-honest hand stamping procedures at BRATHAUS!?!?! Why I never!!!

bgbill, Here is some follow-up information about getting out of Norman after the game.

Generally speaking, you will be able to walk faster than you can drive for at least thirty minutes, so I'd recommend you park as far away from the stadium and as close to the to the intersection of Boyd and Classen as you feel comfortable. This is a safe area.

Travel east on Boyd, the northern boundary of the campus, until you reach Classen. Turn left on Classen and head north. Eventually Classen becomes Porter (there may be a fork involved). Continue to head north on Porter which, in turn, becomes Sunnylane. Sunnylane will take you to I-240, and I-240 will take you to I-40, upon which you can head east to Ft. Smith.

It's possible another Sooner can offer you better advice, but this is the route I would take.

thanks, Golfer John
I 'preciate it
we'll be riding around on our Gold Wing, looking forward to the game, then spending a few days on the twisties in northern Arkansas